Brazil Travel Disrupted with Double Cancellations by LATAM Brasil between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, All You Need to Know Now

Published on September 12, 2025

Travel in Brazil was disrupted on September 11, 2025, when LATAM Brasil canceled two key flights between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. These cancellations have caused considerable inconvenience for passengers traveling between these two major Brazilian cities. The cancellations were confirmed by FlightAware. This disruption has left passengers stranded and caused ripple effects in local air travel schedules. In addition to the cancellations, the airline also reported 32 delays, further complicating travel plans. Passengers affected by these cancellations should be aware of their options for rebooking and compensation as the airline works to resolve the issue. This article details all the essential information regarding these disruptions.

A Breakdown of the Affected Flights

LATAM Brasil’s cancellations involve two flights that were scheduled to operate on Thursday. The details are as follows:

1. TAM3930: This flight was scheduled to depart from São Paulo-Congonhas (CGH) to Santos Dumont Regional (SDU) in Rio de Janeiro at 12:20 PM (local time). The Airbus A319, one of LATAM Brasil’s commonly used aircraft, was expected to service this route but was unfortunately canceled.
2. TAM4553: Similarly, this flight was set to depart from Santos Dumont Regional (SDU) back to São Paulo-Congonhas (CGH) at 2:15 PM (local time), but it also faced cancellation.

Both flights are crucial for connecting Brazil’s most prominent cities and the cancellations have caused inconvenience for passengers scheduled to travel on them.

Affected Routes

The cancellations affect two of Brazil’s busiest routes: São Paulo-Congonhas (CGH) to Santos Dumont Regional (SDU). These routes are vital for both domestic business and tourism travel. São Paulo is the financial capital of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro is a hub for tourism, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana Beach and the annual Carnival. The cancellations have disrupted travel for both business professionals and leisure tourists who rely on these frequent, short flights between Brazil’s two most significant cities. This can also affect flight connections to international destinations, especially from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, which are key hubs for international flights.

Delays

In addition to the two cancellations, LATAM Brasil also reported 32 delays across its network, contributing to a 3% delay rate. While these delays are not specifically tied to the São Paulo–Rio de Janeiro routes, they do highlight the airline’s ongoing operational struggles. Such delays can cause frustration for travelers, particularly those on tight schedules or international connections.

Affected Airports

The two key airports affected by the cancellations are:

• São Paulo-Congonhas (CGH): One of São Paulo’s busiest airports, CGH handles a significant portion of the city’s domestic flights. It is known for its central location, offering fast access to the city’s business district. The airport is a major hub for travelers flying to Rio de Janeiro, making it an essential part of the LATAM Brasil network.
• Santos Dumont Regional (SDU): Situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Santos Dumont is another high-traffic airport, especially for domestic flights. With its proximity to the city center, SDU is a preferred airport for business travelers and tourists alike.

Both airports are crucial for domestic travel within Brazil and disruptions at these locations have the potential to cause a ripple effect across other connecting flights. Additionally, since these airports serve a large number of international travelers, the cancellations could have broader implications for connecting flights to other countries.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The cancellations are likely to have a impact on local tourism in both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. São Paulo, with its thriving business district, sees a constant influx of international and domestic travelers. The city is home to a wide range of attractions, including museums, theaters and a vibrant culinary scene. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro remains one of Brazil’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural significance and lively festivals.

The disruptions caused by LATAM Brasil could result in a reduction in tourist activity, especially for travelers planning quick visits between these two cities. Cancellations and delays increase the stress of travel and might discourage potential tourists from visiting. Additionally, tourists who miss their connecting flights or experience significant delays may choose to cancel or reschedule their plans, further affecting local tourism businesses.

What Affected Passengers Can Do

For passengers affected by the cancellations of TAM3930 and TAM4553, the first step is to get in touch with LATAM Brasil’s customer service. Travelers should seek out rebooking options and check for alternate flights. LATAM Brasil may offer vouchers or other compensation to passengers who have been inconvenienced.

Travelers are encouraged to visit the airline’s official website or app for updates on the situation. Since the cancellations occurred on short notice, passengers should act quickly to secure new flight arrangements. Given the nature of domestic air travel, there is likely to be high demand for available flights, especially for the next few days.

LATAM Brasil may also offer accommodations or meal vouchers in case of long delays, though passengers should inquire about these details directly with the airline. If traveling for business, travelers should ensure they notify their contacts about the disruption as soon as possible to reschedule meetings or events.

In conclusion, the flight disruptions between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have caused inconvenience for travelers, with two key LATAM Brasil flights canceled and numerous delays reported. According to FlightAware data, affected passengers should stay updated through the airline for rebooking options and potential compensation.